posted at 7:21 pm on May 7, 2014 by Allahpundit

C’mon. RINOs can’t do a little high-fiving after their guy (who’s not much of a RINO, by the way) pulled off a big win in North Carolina? Granted, granted, some of the celebrating is excessive, but let’s be real. If Ben Sasse nukes Shane Osborn next week and then Matt Bevin upsets Mitch McConnell, there’ll be fireworks lit throughout tea-party America. Why wouldn’t there be?

Her full statement is at the first link above, but here’s the meat of it:

Congratulations to candidates in yesterday’s small pool of state primary elections who will now move on to their respective general elections. Now, knock off the gloating. The GOP establishment must ratchet any kind of arrogance way down and get in touch with independent, constitutional conservatives who build the base of the party. They do the thankless work to put boots on the ground for your campaigns, and they show up to vote if you give us good reason to vote. Anything less and we will not secure victory for America this fall.

Surely, politicians and high paid D.C. consultants, you realize we all need to work together after these valuable competitive primaries that offer good debate and clear awareness of candidates’ positions, right? It’s extremely off-putting to witness post-primary smugness. Well-funded campaigns that rub a victory in the face of primary challengers’ supporters sure don’t endear the winning campaign to voters who are beyond tired of the selfish political games that have gotten the country into the mess we’re in. Your gloating causes apathy, if not downright disgust, among concerned citizens who want to remind you: “It’s not about you.”

You’re perpetuating an “us versus them” mentality with this gloating. That does our cause of defending our republic and all our freedoms and opportunities no good. Are we not on the same side, standing firm on all platform planks that empower the people instead of growing government? The people you’re mocking comprise the base of your own party, remember? To paraphrase the great Ronald Reagan: Rein it in and humbly learn how much we can accomplish together for America when we don’t care who gets the credit.

I dunno. If I were an amnesty shill, I’d be hugging every illegal in sight this morning to celebrate Renee Ellmers’s victory in NC-2. Pop the champagne, Mark Zuckerberg! Reform is coming. But seriously — there is, most assuredly, an “us versus them” mentality between donor-class Republicans and grassroots conservatives, and it goes both ways. There wouldn’t be a tea party without it. How many posts have I written this year alone about Boehner strategizing to stab the base in the back on immigration? The donor class is socially moderate, supports big business and government cronyism as needed, is very much unwilling to tolerate shutdowns or debt-ceiling standoffs even in a noble cause, and of course is proudly pro-amnesty. Grassroots righties are socially conservative, disdain cronyism, are willing to stand on principle even it hurts the party or the economy in the short term, and oppose amnesty. (Foreign policy is more of a muddle.) The two sides agree broadly on lowering taxes and deregulation; that’s the linchpin for the whole coalition, but it’s a cold peace maintained by sides that see each other as culturally and philosophically suspect. You’re bound to see that on display to some extent after contested primaries. Again, imagine the roars of exultation on the right if Bevin beats McConnell. QED.

If you want to tweak a gloating RINO today, Molly Ball, Matt Lewis, and Dave Weigel have a better way to do it: Remind them that, thanks to the tea party, even the “establishment” candidates are more conservative than they used to be. The entire center of gravity in the party has moved right — not so far right that congressional Republicans are willing to hit the debt ceiling but sufficiently far right that Boehner feels he now has no choice but to appoint a select committee on Benghazi. Tea partiers aren’t where they want to be with their representation inside the Beltway, but they’ve made undeniable progress. That’s a reason for even righties to celebrate today.

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed any tea party candidates challenging establishment Republicans in the 2014 midterm elections would not just fail — but fail miserably.
“I think we are going to crush them everywhere,” he said, The New York Times reported, “I don’t think they are going to have a single nominee anywhere in the country.”

The more the rnc/gop exposes its true big govt, crony colors, the more it demonstrates how undeserving of our support it is, they are actively working for our destruction

Everyone accepts that the goals of the TEA Party are directly opposite to those of the Democratic Party and people expect them to be in a continual battle to achieve their opposite visions for the nation. While true that is not where the real political battle is. While the goals of the TEA Party align perfectly with the Republican Party’s Platform achieving the Tea Party’s goals and acting in accordance with the principles of Republican Platform are anathema to Establishment Republicans, and therein lies the true political battle today, one for the heart and soul of the Republican Party.
For years my political party, the Republican Party, has failed to follow its stated beliefs. Republican politicians give us “wah wah” conservative talk in the primary and then legislate and govern as Democrat Lite. They follow behind the Democrat’s sprint toward European style socialism at a saunter, ever expanding government along the way, only concerned with their reelection, all the while giving lip service to our Party’s conservative platform. As I have said to countless Republican groups before if my political party, the Republican Party, had stayed true to its conservative roots, its conservative platform and remained the “party of Reagan” we would not be in our current difficulties and the Tea Party movement would not exist.
To effectively oppose the Democrats the Republican Party would have to stand on and follow its platform. That is an inside political game. While protests and town hall nightmares for Democrats make good press they
do not necessarily change how a Party and elected officials act. The TEA Party has made reforming the Republican Party a key objective and that is happening from the inside. We have picked up Reagan’s call to once again make our political party, the Republican Party one of bright bold colors rather than pale pastels.
“A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers. I do not believe I have proposed anything that is contrary to what has been considered Republican principle. It is at the same time the very basis of conservatism. It is time to reassert that principle and raise it to full view. And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way.”
-Ronald Reagan, CPAC 1975
So to the Establishment Republicans shape up or ship out. Stand boldly on and act on our platform or go find and join your pale pastel friends over in the jackass party as we do not need squishy wimps in ours.

I say double up on tea and make these establishment candidates remember the issue that matter.

For the House representatives, it’s a short cycle,,,and as my grandmother always said..how quick thing change. Take some victory lap today sticking it in the eyes of a TP voter..you just might find it’s not so good in the future.

Tea Party voters are issue voters..they won’t go away until the issues do. They don’t have all the money but they will be a real thorn in the side of the establishment until recognized – only takes a few percent in the general election and I would advise the GOP establisment to rethink their goals .

I can’t believe that we’re not talking about the elephant in the room. Looks like Clay Aiken might just have finally won something! Didn’t happen on Idol or Celebrity Apprentice. But when it comes to Democrats in NC-2, Aiken might just have 40% of the voters behind him!

Come November though, he’ll know what to say when coming in second place. He’s had a lot of practice.

Karl Rove said that 25% of Tillis’ votes came from the Tea Party peeps…I think because the Tea Party candidate was a little weak. But anyway, Tillis couldn’t have done it without both the Tea Party and social conservatives.

Karl Rove said that 25% of Tillis’ votes came from the Tea Party peeps…I think because the Tea Party candidate was a little weak. But anyway, Tillis couldn’t have done it without both the Tea Party and social conservatives.

gracie on May 7, 2014 at 7:43 PM

It’s because even tea partiers and conservatives are falling for the “electability” propaganda B.S. and failing to realize that just because the candidate is a Republican doesn’t mean they aren’t a big government progressive.

Like I said earlier the establishment found their tea party kryptonite, it’s the “electability” strategy. And the tea party is playing right into it – they care more about beating democrats more than advancing conservatism and that is exactly why we are in the mess we are in. It’s not enough just to beat democrats.

And then Rove and the establishment wants to go on about how the GOP would hold the senate if not for Akin/Murdoch, while failing to acknowledge all 7 of his championed senate candidates in 2012 lost.

It’s because even tea partiers and conservatives are falling for the “electability” propaganda B.S. and failing to realize that just because the candidate is a Republican doesn’t mean they aren’t a big government progressive.

Like I said earlier the establishment found their tea party kryptonite, it’s the “electability” strategy. And the tea party is playing right into it – they care more about beating democrats more than advancing conservatism and that is exactly why we are in the mess we are in. It’s not enough just to beat democrats.

And then Rove and the establishment wants to go on about how the GOP would hold the senate if not for Akin/Murdoch, while failing to acknowledge all 7 of his championed senate candidates in 2012 lost.

tcufrog on May 7, 2014 at 7:47 PM

The Tea Party is the new establishment.

Has she ever backed anyone but a Republican in any race?

Cindy Munford on May 7, 2014 at 7:45 PM

No – just like none of the mythical “establishment” types did. Then again, that’s not what he accused her of doing.

You’re perpetuating an “us versus them” mentality with this gloating. That does our cause of defending our republic and all our freedoms and opportunities no good. Are we not on the same side, standing firm on all platform planks that empower the people instead of growing government? The people you’re mocking comprise the base of your own party, remember?

Let’s be honest here…the “us vs. them” mentality goes for all Republicans. All our infighting about who the “real Republicans/conservatives” are absolutely will divide us, much to the delight of the Left. We can’t go full Tea Party, of full “establishment” aka RINO. Both groups are going to have to do some give and take, as a party with some cohesion on the big issues.

Tea partiers aren’t where they want to be with their representation inside the Beltway, but they’ve made undeniable progress. That’s a reason for even righties to celebrate today.

Definitely moved the needle to the Right.

Remember that the TEA Party organization are still suffering from the effects of IRS harassment and suppression of their efforts. Who knows what they could have accomplished if the playing field was even?

RINOs Beware!

The TEA Party is still watching you, and we will only get stronger as time goes on.

Wake up Petunia. The establishment career crony politicians are the problem, and they are not limited to just the demorats. These corrupt crony pols just want to ride the gravy train they are on, and are terrified of principled, constitutional Tea Party types who want the damn corruption to END! – on both sides of the aisle.

I’m stuck in the middle. And yes, the us versus them mentality goes both ways. Why don’t we try to find some common ground and don’t automatically assume the worse.
I’m usually a okay with governmental gridlock, but we need to start working together and learn to compromise and demand the same from the democrats.
Divided we are falling.

Looks like Team Washington are all working together. Now why would Tom Cotton’s campaign from Arkansas be spending money and running ads in Nebraska against Ben Sasse? Sounds like Washington swamp team work.

Palin’s point is that it is the Tea Party that man’s the telephone banks, that hand out flyers, that go door to door, that work the polls, etc. If the Republican Party wants to shut down the Tea Party, they will lose many of their grass roots supporters.

Let’s be honest here…the “us vs. them” mentality goes for all Republicans. All our infighting about who the “real Republicans/conservatives” are absolutely will divide us, much to the delight of the Left. We can’t go full Tea Party, of full “establishment” aka RINO. Both groups are going to have to do some give and take, as a party with some cohesion on the big issues.

Or else, let the Democrats run the show.

JetBoy on May 7, 2014 at 7:51 PM

I am not a Republican so none of this applies to me.

I am a conservative and I refuse to support big government progressives whether they are democrats or Republicans. I don’t play the “lesser of two evils” game.

I keep seeing people say “WE need to unite” or “WE need to support the nominee”. What is this “WE” crap? By “WE” do you mean Republican? Because in that case I am not a part of your “WE” because I am not a Republican.

Pecuniary circumstance of the establishment relative to the grassroots by rights would inform the former’s response to victory. But the people who attempted to foist Charlie Crist on us tend to be ill-informed.

I’m stuck in the middle. And yes, the us versus them mentality goes both ways. Why don’t we try to find some common ground and don’t automatically assume the worse.
I’m usually a okay with governmental gridlock, but we need to start working together and learn to compromise and demand the same from the democrats.
Divided we are falling.

mike_NC9 on May 7, 2014 at 7:52 PM

And here is another person saying “WE” over and over again.

Not all of us are Republicans, so not sure why you are trying to rally the troops here. Why should I find common ground when I am not a part of the Republican Party?

Not in the least, what portlandon is reporting has been the standard pattern of political behavior in the past. While Conservatives acted as the blind loyalists who conformed for the sake of the party to the wishes and desires of the GOPe.

But it looks like this pattern of behavior may be coming to an end, which is reflected in the comments made to me by Conservatives in a neighboring district in NC.

You know who really does the heavy lifting? The establishment Republicans while the Whiners stomp on every word they say.

It must be hard for them to know who the enemy is when the people who are supposed to support the fight you are making, hate you more that the Socialists!

Stop undermining the Republican Party Sarah. They need support not drug through the mud. That’s the Democrat’s job.

petunia on May 7, 2014 at 7:47 PM

I remember you saying only Romney was electable. What gives? The only heavy lifting the establishment does is shoveling shit to help the democrats. 2008, 2010, 2012. We won in 2010, no thanks to you hacks.

Neither the Establishment nor the Tea Party should be crowing or sniping at each other about the results of Republican primaries. It’s up to the Republican VOTERS of each state (or district) to decide who they believe has the best chance of beating the Democrat in November.

If Tea Party supporters don’t vote for the Republican nominee in November because he/she is too RINO, who benefits from that? Democrats.

If Establishment supporters don’t vote for a Tea Party nominee in November because he/she is too conservative, who benefits from that? Democrats.

The nominees in NC are who they are, and now all NC Republicans, whether Tea Party or Establishment or RINO, have the choice between those nominees and Democrats. Maybe some Tea Partiers aren’t very enthused about Thom Tillis, but he would still make a better Senator than Kay Hagan, and the Tea Partiers should base their vote in November on that fact.

Karl Rove said that 25% of Tillis’ votes came from the Tea Party peeps…I think because the Tea Party candidate was a little weak. But anyway, Tillis couldn’t have done it without both the Tea Party and social conservatives.

gracie on May 7, 2014 at 7:43 PM

Baloney, just like his “white board meltdown”.

#1 if karl rove said it, you know its a lie. #2 so more than %50 voted against the rino, so you add in the %25 percent you and rove assert voted for the rino and add it to the %55 that voted for somebody else that means roughly %65 of the party voters are TEA Party?

I love Sarah but the battle is already lost. She is fighting for the soul of the GOP but they lost that when they refused to back her in 2012. Since then it has all been RINO theater . All Republicans are interested in now is amnesty, reforming obastardcare, and pissing on the base. Let them die Sarah and rebuild from their ashes.

Palin’s point is that it is the Tea Party that man’s the telephone banks, that hand out flyers, that go door to door, that work the polls, etc. If the Republican Party wants to shut down the Tea Party, they will lose many of their grass roots supporters.

huckleberryfriend on May 7, 2014 at 7:54 PM

I’ve seen zero evidence whatsoever to back up your point. Phone banks, flyers, and door-to-door solicitation existed long before the Tea Party, and whereas the RNC and similar organizations spend money on these things, Tea Party organizations seem more inclined to bilk conservatives for their money and spend three quarters of their cash on the political consultants they claim to despise.

“Sasse is supporting by conservatives as diverse as National Review, the Club for Growth, the Senate Conservatives Fund, Paul Ryan, Tom Coburn, Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Sarah Palin, and me. He is winning. In fact, he’s surged ahead in the last few days.

But Tom Cotton’s campaign manager, Justin Brasell, just placed more than $100,000.00 in advertising in Nebraska to attack Ben Sasse.

Does Tom Cotton want the Democrats to win? If not, is he cool with his campaign manager attacking a Republican just as he is headed into a general election against the Democrats?”

the brutal truth is that the GOP is very bad at politics. The left may be idiots about most everything, but they are disciplined and smart at the retail level.

No enemies on the Left is the expression I think. And, they pay people to vote for them. The GOP runs losers and has beens, Geo. Allen, Tommy Thompson…and yes Todd Akin.

Akin was a product of years in the House. MOGOP had no clue who to run, Claire was an easy knock off…so anyone will do. Like I say, the GOP is not good at politics.

the only thing they can think of is to payoff their clients…the Chamber. That’s it. There is a reason that the GOP has one the popular vote only once since 1988….(do the math…that’s over 25 years) Once in a quarter of a century.

It is not much of a victory for an incumbent to win an election. They have something north of a 90% re-election prospect, even including, probably higher for, primaries.

Personally, I think we the people should have the ability to fire the entire, every last one of them, house members and senators, with a pre-primary vote of confidence in each of the chambers. If they cannot get a 50% or higher vote of confidence, every last one of them should be barred from being on the ballot for the following election and barred from passing legislation until replaced.

Of course there will be gloating no matter which side wins. If being in politics is like Hollywood for ugly people, following politics is like being a sports fan for people who don’t like sports. And the only thing better than the big win is gloating about it until next season.

Stop lying. None of those endorsed the Democrat and Lugar endorsed Mourdock. It tells a lot you need to blatantly lie.

joana on May 7, 2014 at 8:01 PM

Lugar makes Senate endorsement … in Massachusetts
October 14, 2012|On the Record, Off the Cuff

Many prominent Indiana Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, aligned their support behind Richard Mourdock after he beat incumbent Sen. Richard Lugarin the party’s May primary.

Lugar, however — though he has said he hopes Mourdock beats Democrat Joe Donnelly in November — isn’t campaigning for him.

“I’ve not been a factor in the campaign, and I do not intend to do so,” Lugar said in September, according to the Associated Press. Lugar, first elected to the Senate in 1976, also criticized Mourdock on primary night, saying, “He and I share many positions, but his embrace of an unrelenting partisan mindset is irreconcilable with my philosophy of governance and my experience of what brings results for Hoosiers in the Senate.”

Coats and others have pressed Lugar to get off the sidelines and support the Republican Senate nominee.

The RINO gameplan. Keep attacking the TEA folks. Keep saying the polls are wrong up to election night. Then act surprised that once again the Republican establishment has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

There goes any chance to gain a huge majority in the House and Senate. Republicans will be lucky to pick up one more Senate seat, and the house might actually lose Republicans if the RINOs keep playing these games.

Sarah Palin the leader of the anti-establishment , she is the Only Politician in the GOP willing to take on incumbents , unlike Rand Paul and the others . Sarah Palin for President 2016 . She is open to it .